Job openings/Communications Intern
- Job Title
Communications Intern
- Job Purpose
The Wikimedia Foundation is currently seeking a part-time communications intern (up to 30hrs/week) for 3-6 months beginning March 2009. The communications intern will support and assist the Head of Communications, as well as other Wikimedia Foundation staff and/or Board members, in the overall execution of the Foundation's public relations and communications strategy.
Interns at the Wikimedia Foundation will be exposed to an exceptionally dynamic, mission-oriented environment. With a staff of less than 25, the Foundation operates and maintains Wikipedia and eight other free knowledge projects and educational programs. The Foundation is an international leader in the promotion and expansion of “free knowledge” - a mission which has defined the success and reach of Wikipedia since its inception in 2001.
Interns will be immersed in an international media relations, issues management and internal communications environment. Interns will gain unique skills in social media, massive publicly collaborated web projects, research, and writing for global audiences, and will meet and interact with pioneers in the Web 2.0 movement.
- Job Summary
Working both remotely and in Wikimedia's San Francisco offices, the communications intern will:
- Track and analyze international Wikimedia media exposure, including development of a web/print clips archive
- Liaise and consult with project volunteers around the world to assess and address ongoing and long-term communications needs. This might include developing talking points,
- Assist in the development of systems to manage incoming data, including user stories, supporting quotes, and best practices,
- Update and improve the Wikimedia stakeholders database,
- Update the Foundation wiki, including our press and staff pages as well as other major changes to the public relations support wikis,
- Support volunteers in interpreting visual design guidelines,
- Research prospective media or speaking opportunities,
- Support the Foundation or volunteers at public events,
- Review and direct incoming media and public requests,
- Respond to public inquiries as required,
- Write draft press releases, community announcements, blog posts,
- Support creative services contractors as needed,
- Coordinate speaking events for Wikimedia volunteers.
- Required Qualifications
- Current or newly graduated student at a college or university
- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills and interpersonal skills are a must
- Experience working with or as part of large volunteer communities is a major plus
- Experience editing with or using wiki-based software, or strong willingness to learn
- Comfort with a wide variety of communications tools is a must: for example, mailing lists, IRC, instant messaging
- Comfortable responding to or reaching out to international media
- Interest in Wikimedia and its free knowledge mission
- Strong computer skills (Microsoft Office, Web applications, experience with design software a plus)
- Experience living or working internationally is a major plus, as is the ability to speak languages in addition to English
- Must be able to work well with people with a very wide diversity of demographic and cultural characteristics
- Must flourish in an environment that is highly transparent and collaborative
- Ability to commute to Wikimedia offices in downtown San Francisco several days per week
- Pluses: familiarity with AP Style, experience editing on wikis, basic knowledge of marketing and design.
This is an unpaid internship. School credit may be available.